or if the vulg. {ton epomenon}, "with some leader of the host"
(lit. of his followers). So Breitenbach.

"Shall I then have to do these things?" asked my wife.

"Yes," I answered, "you will need in the same way to stay indoors,
despatching to their toils without those of your domestics whose work
lies there. Over those whose appointed tasks are wrought indoors, it
will be your duty to preside; yours to receive the stuffs brought in;
yours to apportion part for daily use, and yours to make provision for
the rest, to guard and garner it so that the outgoings destined for a
year may not be expended in a month. It will be your duty, when the
wools are introduced, to see that clothing is made for those who need;
your duty also to see that the dried corn is rendered fit and
serviceable for food.

"There is just one of all these occupations which devolve upon you," I
added, "you may not find so altogether pleasing. Should any one of our
household fall sick, it will be your care to see and tend them to the
recovery of their health."

"Nay," she answered, "that will be my pleasantest of tasks, if careful
nursing may touch the springs of gratitude and leave them friendlier
than before."

And I (continued Ischomachus) was struck with admiration at her
answer, and replied: "Think you, my wife, it is through some such
traits of forethought seen in their mistress-leader that the hearts of
bees are won, and they are so loyally affectioned towards her that, if
ever she abandon her hive, not one of them will dream of being left